Top Cybersecurity books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Cybersecurity books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Understanding the concepts of Cybersecurity starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World

The shocking untold story of the elite secret society of hackers fighting to protect our privacy, our freedom, and even democracy itself. Cult of the Dead Cow is the tale of the oldest, most respected, and most famous American hacking group of all time.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Defensive Security Handbook: Best Practices for Securing Infrastructure

Despite the increase of high-profile hacks, record-breaking data leaks, and ransomware attacks, many organizations don’t have the budget to establish or outsource an information security (InfoSec) program, forcing them to learn on the job. For companies obliged to improvise, this pragmatic guide provides a security-101 handbook with steps, tools, processes, and ideas to help you drive maximum-…

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Cybersecurity: The Beginner's Guide: A comprehensive guide to getting started in cybersecurity

This book put together all the possible information with regards to cybersecurity, why you should choose it, the need for cyber security and how can you be part of it and fill the cybersecurity talent gap bit by bit. Starting with the essential understanding of security and its needs, we will move to security domain changes and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping to se…

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Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon

A top cybersecurity journalist tells the story behind the virus that sabotaged Iran's nuclear efforts and shows how its existence has ushered in a new age of warfare—one in which a digital attack can have the same destructive capability as a megaton bomb.

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Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition

Hacking is the art of creative problem solving, whether that means finding an unconventional solution to a difficult problem or exploiting holes in sloppy programming. Many people call themselves hackers, but few have the strong technical foundation needed to really push the envelope. Rather than merely showing how to run existing exploits, author Jon Erickson explains how arcane hacking techn…

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CISO Desk Reference Guide: A Practical Guide for CISOs Volume 2

The CISO Desk Reference Guide, Volume 1, 2nd Edition is the greatly-anticipated update to the iconic first volume of the highly-respected two-volume set written by experienced practitioners and intended for recently-hired or promoted Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). These easy-to-use guides are also perfect for individuals aspiring to become CISOs, as well as business and technical…

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Additional Cybersecurity Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Cybersecurity, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards: A Practitioner's Reference

Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards: A Practitioner's Reference gives you a blueprint on how to develop effective information security policies and procedures. It uses standards such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, and COBIT, and regulations such as HIPAA and PCI DSS as the foundation for the content.

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The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws

The highly successful security book returns with a new edition, completely updated. Web applications are the front door to most organizations, exposing them to attacks that may disclose personal information, execute fraudulent transactions, or compromise ordinary users. This practical book has been completely updated and revised to discuss the latest step-by-step techniques for attacking and d…

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Become a Cybersecurity Analyst: First Edition

This guide provides clear and concise information on crucial cybersecurity analyst responsibilities such as: Configuring Tools: This may come in the form of virus software, password protectors, and vulnerability management software. They will evaluate what the company needs and use these tools to protect its information. Reporting: The analyst will detail what is currently going on in the netw…

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The Cuckoo's Egg

When Cliff Stoll followed the trail of a 75-cent accounting error at his workplace, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it led him to the presence of an unauthorized user on the system. Suddenly, Stoll found himself crossing paths with a hacker named “Hunter” who had managed to break into sensitive United States networks and steal vital information. Stoll made the dangerous decision to …

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Beginners Guide: How to Become a Cyber-Security Analyst: : Phase 2 - Security Engineering and Ethical Hacking

This book teaches you how to install, configure and utilize three popular security tools: SPLUNK, Nessus and Wireshark. After that we will have some fun by performing several hacking techniques. During the ethical hack labs, you will practice Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access and Covering Tracks. This book is designed to cater to beginners that are interested in but …

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Ghost In The Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker

Kevin Mitnick was the most elusive computer break-in artist in history. He accessed computers and networks at the world's biggest companies -- and no matter how fast the authorities were, Mitnick was faster, sprinting through phone switches, computer systems, and cellular networks.

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Specializations and Deeper Cybersecurity Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Cybersecurity is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

Cybersecurity Career Master Plan: Proven techniques and effective tips to help you advance in your cybersecurity career

Cybersecurity is an emerging career trend and will continue to become increasingly important. Despite the lucrative pay and significant career growth opportunities, many people are unsure of how to get started. This book is designed by leading industry experts to help you enter the world of cybersecurity with confidence, covering everything from gaining the right certification to tips and tool…

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Enterprise Cybersecurity: How to Build a Successful Cyberdefense Program Against Advanced Threats

Enterprise Cybersecurity empowers organizations of all sizes to defend themselves with next-generation cybersecurity programs against the escalating threat of modern targeted cyberattacks. This book presents a comprehensive framework for managing all aspects of an enterprise cybersecurity program. It enables an enterprise to architect, design, implement, and operate a coherent cybersecurity pr…

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(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide 9th Edition

(ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Official Study Guide, 9th Edition has been completely updated based on the latest 2021 CISSP Exam Outline. This bestselling Sybex study guide covers 100% of the exam objectives. You'll prepare for the exam smarter and faster with Sybex thanks to expert content, knowledge from our real-world experience, advice on mastering this …

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Advanced Penetration Testing: Hacking the World's Most Secure Networks

Featuring techniques not taught in any certification prep or covered by common defensive scanners, this book integrates social engineering, programming, and vulnerability exploits into a multidisciplinary approach for targeting and compromising high security environments.

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Cybersecurity Career Master Plan: Proven Techniques and Effective Tips to Help You Advance in Your Cybersecurity Career

The book starts by helping you gain a foundational understanding of cybersecurity, covering cyber law, cyber policy, and frameworks. Next, you'll focus on how to choose the career field best suited to you from options such as security operations, penetration testing, and risk analysis.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The CERT Guide to Insider Threats: How to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Information Technology Crimes (theft, Sabotage, Fraud)

Since 2001, the CERT® Insider Threat Center at Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) has collected and analyzed information about more than seven hundred insider cyber crimes, ranging from national security espionage to theft of trade secrets. The CERT® Guide to Insider Threats describes CERT’s findings in practical terms, offering specific guidance and countermeasu…

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Augment your Cybersecurity books

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I am a seasoned CTO with more than a decade of experience. But I am also a passionate developer and architect with even more years of experience. I am tech savvy and have an extensive software engineering background ranging from early stage start-ups to scale-ups with many teams in parallel. …

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Hello, I'm Abhishek Koserwal, a Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat and a dedicated mentor ready to guide you on your career journey. Whether you're just starting as a software engineer or trying to identify your best career path, I'm here to help you succeed. Designing your career: Together, we'll …

$120 / month

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I’m a Staff Engineer at LinkedIn with 12+ years of experience building scalable systems, leading engineering teams, and mentoring developers across all levels. I’ve helped software engineers get promoted, land offers at top tech companies (FAANG+), and grow into leadership roles. Whether you’re aiming to: • Master system design and …

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I'm a cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience helping organizations—from federal agencies to private sector clients—navigate complex cybersecurity challenges. My career spans everything from leading threat detection and response teams to implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen security posture and manage risk. I'm passionate about developing talent in cybersecurity. …

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